Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhibit water loss? 1. Hard and waxy leaves 2. Tiny leaves 3. Thorns instead of leaves Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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Q: 17 (IAS/2018)
 
Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhibit water loss?
1.  Hard and waxy leaves
2. Tiny leaves
3. Thorns instead of leaves
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

question_subject: 

Science

question_exam: 

IAS

stats: 

0,116,11,3,3,5,116

keywords: 

{'leaves': [0, 0, 1, 3], 'desert areas': [1, 0, 0, 3], 'water loss': [0, 0, 1, 2], 'thorns': [0, 0, 0, 2]}

The correct answer is 4, which states that all three listed modifications, "Hard and waxy leaves", "Tiny leaves", and "Thorns instead of leaves" occur in the desert areas to inhibit water loss.

1. Hard and waxy leaves- As an adaptation to survive in the desert, many plants develop a thick, waxy coating on their leaves. This coating helps to reduce water loss due to evaporation.

2. Tiny leaves- In desert plants, the leaves are often small to minimize the surface area exposed to the hot sun and dry air, reducing water loss.

3. Thorns instead of leaves- Some desert plants such as cacti have evolved to have thorns instead of leaves. These thorns serve the same purpose as `hard and tiny leaves` by reducing water loss and exposure to the environment.

Therefore, all three leaf modifications are mechanisms that help desert plants survive in their harsh environment.